Reading FC Match Report: 2015/2016 Season - FA Cup

20 February 2016READING 3 WEST BROM 1

A simply outstanding performance from the Royals secured a place in the last eight of the FA Cup for the second season in succession. Premier League opponents Albion were outplayed for most of the game as Brian McDermott’s team deservedly moved a step closer to another Wembley appearance. Lucas Piazon’s emphatic finish put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time sparking wild celebrations from players and home fans alike. It was a memorable game and an excellent result.

Coming into the game neither side had been in particularly good form although Albion’s confidence would have been boosted by an away win at Everton last week. Brian McDermott, forced by unavailability of key players gave Cox his first start of the season and opted for a four one four one formation. It was a cautious first half from both teams. Chances were few and far between although Reading looked more likely to seize the initiative with Foster being the busier of the two ‘keepers.

Rakels, making his first start, was neat and tidy playing wide on the left without posing a real threat. Robson-Kanu on the other hand was tormenting Albion’s defence on the right. In one brilliant piece of individual skill his outstanding ball control, strength, and acceleration left three defenders trailing in his wake. Shortly before half time he almost opened the scoring with a header from Norwood’s cross. With the ball coming to him from a difficult angle he managed to flick the ball with some power goalwards to draw a spectacular save from Foster.

Both teams started the second half with greater urgency and the game burst into life nine minutes after the interval. Cooper had a fine game but was guilty of backing away from Fletcher as he broke through into the box which is a not advisable at the best of times but certainly not with a player of his quality. Fletcher accepted the invitation to score and gave Al Habsi no chance with a low drive in to the far corner to give the visitors the lead.

Brian McDermott wasted no time in preparing his substitutes. Cox had and Rakels had both held the ball up well and kept possession but did not quite provide the cutting edge required so it was no surprise to see them replaced by Vydra and Ola John respectively. Reading equalised almost immediately. Obita won free kick which Norwood whipped in superbly. McShane met the cross with a downward header which popped up and over the diving Foster into the net. The game now hung in the balance. There were chances at both ends before Norwood delivered another delightful ball to the far post this time met by a well-timed run from Hector to head past Foster. Suddenly the game had swung in Reading’s favour with almost twenty minutes left to play.

With nothing to lose Albion threw caution to the wind and put the Reading defence under considerable pressure, but the back for hardly put a foot wrong and with Hector looking very much a Premier League quality player just in front of Cooper and McShane Albion could not break through. Robson-Kanu and Ola John looked even more dangerous as Albion committed more players forward. Both players had chances to wrap the game up in the last fifteen minutes. Ola John’s touch let him down with the goal briefly at his mercy, and Robson-Kanu was put through by John but with only Foster to beat dragged his shot wide. Well into stoppage time Vydra’s class shone through as he collected a forward pass wide on the left and appeared to be making for the corner to run down the clock but then quickly assessed a better option. He skipped past his marker and rolled the ball to John who in turn found Piazon inside the box. It was a good chance but still need a good finish and although he had only just come on for Quinn he buried it with style.

At the final whistle, as the home fans and players celebrated their success Olsson manged to talk his way into a yellow card and Brunt was struck by a coin thrown by one his own supporters. A pity for Albion whose supporters had responded magnificently to the minute of applause before the kick-off to commemorate the passing away of Reading’s all-time record scorer Ronnie Blackman earlier this week.

For Reading today it was in every sense an outstanding team performance but there were exceptional individual performances throughout the team. It was one of those days when the manager got his selection, tactics and substitutions right and everyone was at their best. McDermott’s influence on team spirit and morale was there for all to see today but also it is noticeable how players like Obita, Hector, Robson-Kanu and Cooper are improving rapidly under his leadership. Surely it is only a matter of time before the improvement is reflected in their position in the league.
John Wells

Post Match Fans' Opinion

PieEater

» 20 Feb 2016 18:08

That was a cracking result, the third goal was probably the highlight of our season.

Quite disappointed in WBA, they really weren't very good, but somehow survive in the prem with set pieces and dodgy free kicks.

I think Bryan got his tactics spot on, big Hec, Coops and McShane all had good games.

We seemed to completely control the game, so it was disappointing to go behind but we fought back well - two goals from set pieces, and then looked comfortable when they pressed.

My MOTM was HRK, really looking like a decent player now.

Ian Royal

» 20 Feb 2016 18:20

A bit dour first half with neither team looking good going forward. But great second half, though we looked to be elsewhere the 5minutes either side of HT.

West Brom seem utterly reliant on Berahino winning them games and he looks lost and out of it.

Al-Habsi 8 hilarious header first half
Gunter 7 good game
Obita 8 good going forward
McShane 8 gave them nothing and scored
Cooper 8 much better today.
Hector 9 MotM cut out the hollywood crap and was immense
Norwood 7 better than recently, couple of great deadballs
Quinn 8 so hard working
Rakels 7 looked decent but not really a winger. Did a job
HRK 9 deserved a goal, and should have had one, caused lots of problems
Cox 7 worked hard, didn't look like scoring, but leading the line isn't his forte

John 8 caused all sorts of problems, super sub.
Vydra 7 offerred a liitle more than Cox but not fully fit
Piazon 8 did he do anything other than make the game safe?

McDermott 8

Great day.

Baggies went boing boing mental at the end fighting each other.

Anyone else spot Habsi diving into the East stand after the third? I fooking love him.

Lower West

» 20 Feb 2016 18:35

All to do with the coin that was thrown I assume.

Royal Ginger

» 20 Feb 2016 18:39

HRK excellent
Hector excellent (although their goal came from a huge hole that he possibly should have been standing in)
Gunter very good
Rare nod to the ref, thought he had a good game.

West Brom must hate coming to Reading. For no good reason we've become a real bogey team for them.

Lower West

» 20 Feb 2016 18:40

Similar formation to Burnley game.

Quinn totally outshone Norwood.

Not Cox's greatest fan but have to admit did the job he asked to do well. Likewise Rakels make an impressive debut. Particularly the tracking back and picking up a player to mark.

bobby1413

» 20 Feb 2016 18:40

One of the best atmospheres of recent times I think. The game seemed almost perfect

Ref - spot on I think, I barely noticed him. The game was so free flowing.

It was a great game in that there was no cynical fouls, no poor sportsmanship, no time wasting.

We went a goal down despite controlling the game but delighted we kept digging in. The players deserve praise as they all performed really well and never seemed to stop trying.

I want to personally mention Cox. I thought he was pretty good and better than I thought he'd be.

AAH - I really love this guy. Today showed his passion. We often have recently said how the players have no real connection with the fans. You can't say that about this guy.

Hector brilliant

John was impactive when he came on, great performance and at times trickery which worked and helped lead to a goal.

Gunter I thought was superb, as was Quinn and McShane. Cooper looked solid to me too.

I'm still singing the Piazon / ola John song.

Shame about the stupid wba fan who coined Brunt. Hate to see that type of thing and it led to them all having a bit of argy Bargy.

blueroyals

» 20 Feb 2016 18:43

Norwood, 2 assists - 7
HRK - zero assists zero goals - 9

George_

» 20 Feb 2016 18:44

I love the FA Cup & I love this Football Club.

That is all.

Jack Celliers

» 20 Feb 2016 18:48

It's years tills I get home but I'll respond anyway. It was fantastic today: great team selection, tactics and effort. Hector was my man of the match but maybe because I've got used to HRK playing so well on the right. WBA were soundly beaten.

Winnershroyal

» 20 Feb 2016 18:49

Nothing fluked about the result, we outran and outplayed them, I Really enjoyed that, and also that at 0-1 down we can bring on Vydra and John, that's not bad quality to be fair. The atmosphere was great.

I left before the 3rd goal but it was no more than we deserved, I bet though we lose to Rotherham now!

harry

» 20 Feb 2016 18:59

Superb team performance. Great comeback.

Al Habsi - didn't have a chance for their goal. Did well with what he had to deal with including a couple of saves after ref had blown for infringements. Although the 1st half header had me worried for a sec. Great celebration for our 3rd. 8
Gunter - solid, tireless. 7
Obita - if only he could whip in an early cross. Defensively good. 7
McShane - well taken goal, decent shot 1st half wasn't far wide. Solid at back. 8
Cooper - hasn't looked out of his depth either time he's been up against Prem strikeforces this season. 7
The only thing I'd say against the defending (not necessarily the defence) was they had way too much space in the lead up to their goal.
Norwood - much better than last week in open play. Two quality dead ball deliveries for the 1st & 2nd goal & a couple of other decent crosses. 7, maybe an 8.
Hector - showed how good he could be today. A rock in centre mid. Thoroughly deserved the goal & just edged MOTM for me from a number of contenders. 9
Quinn - looked a bit sluggish at times in 1st half but got better as game went on & really put in a shift both breaking up play and going forward. 7
Hal Robson-Kanu - on fire first half & was taking on as many Baggies players as would get in his way. More limited in opportunities 2nd half but still had his moments. Decent header in 1st half, Should have scored 2nd. Like watching a different player from previous seasons. 8
Rackels - ran all day and linked up well but not much in the way of chances. Promising. 7
Cox - a surprise appearance. Much like Rackels worked hard but nothing seemed to come off for them at that stage of the game. 7

Subs -
John - decent shot that went close, great assist for the 3rd, another fine cameo. 7
Vydra - see Rackels & Cox. 6
Piazon - only saw him touch the ball twice. Trapped the ball, scored. 7?

Thought West Brom fans were superb for the minute's applause. Not so whoever threw the plastic bottle at Al Habsi or the coin at Brunt.

Also, were our fans booing McClean for not wearing a poppy? Maybe those who booed him should read about where he was brought up first and why he doesn't wear one.

bobby1413

» 20 Feb 2016 19:05

Glad you mentioned:

- minutes applause - really well respected and joined in by the wba.

- McClean - I don't know why he was being boo'd. I thought it started mid way in the first half. Maybe he fouled one of our players? If he did I missed it.